Toyota applies its TRD designation to the Tacoma, the Tundra and the 4Runner. Tacoma and Tundra are pickups, whereas the 4Runner is an SUV. The Tundra TRD Pro wasn’t manufactured for the 2018 model year, but it will make its return for 2019. What makes a TRD Pro stand separate from other Toyota pickups? Here are some reasons.

Tacoma TRD Pro

One of the most recognizable features on the Tacoma TRD Pro is its “desert air intake,” which looks a hell of a lot like a snorkel. The pundits say it can be used as a snorkel, meaning you can ford streams and shallow rivers without causing problems with your truck. Though Toyota doesn’t want you doing that, the TRD Pro has an extra 1.5″ of ground clearance that will help if you do.

The Tacoma TRD Pro also now has Fox shocks to replace last year’s Bilsteins. A gloss-black exhaust pipe gives the truck a nice look from the rear and JBL audio will appeal to the musically minded of us.

Toyota Safety Sense (pre-collision system, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, dynamic cruise control, pedestrian detection) comes on all TRD pickups. It’s a nice set of features to have, especially when your rear window is blocked by cargo.

Tacoma TRD Pro Compared to TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road

The biggest difference between the Tacoma Sport (least expensive) model and the others is the availability of rear-wheel-drive. The Sport model is available with rear-wheel-drive and the others are available with either RWD or 4×4.

Another difference is that the TRD Pro isn’t available with an “access cab,” the 2-door variation of the truck. All TRD Pros are double cab, with 4 doors.

Price is a deal maker or breaker when it comes to TRD Tacoma pickups. Whereas the Tacoma TRD Off-Road and Sport models cost around $33K, the TRD Pro runs a little over $41K. That’s a significant investment.

Other differences between Tacoma TRD Pro and other TRD models

Luxury/Convenience

• Moonroof not available on TRD Pro (available as option on other models)
• 16″ wheels on Off-Road and Pro, 17″ on Sport
• Tonneau cover (bed cover) available only for Sport and Off-Road
• Inclinometer and roll/pitch displays not available on Sport
• Dual zone climate control standard on Pro, option on other models
• Heavily branded interior and exterior for Pro model (mats, seats, shift knob, etc.), with exclusive styling
• Remote keyless entry not available on Off-Road model
• HomeLink universal transceiver only on Pro model

Safety/Performance

• Blind-spot monitoring and cross traffic alert optional on Off-Road and Sport, standard on Pro
• Rear locking differential only available on Pro and Off-Road models
• Active traction control only on Pro model

Tundra TRD Pro

The first thing you notice when you look at a Tundra TRD Pro’s front end is the aggressive hood scoop. It’s a significantly more rugged look than other Tundra pickups, but it’s not particularly useful. It’s more of an aesthetic thing, in other words. The Fox shocks on the Tundra TRD Pro are quite useful, though. They’re going to provide a comfortable ride and keep you upright wherever you go.

Something that’s standard on all Toyotas is the star safety system (ABS, traction control, brake assist, stability control, electronic brake force distribution and smart-stop technology), which is included on TRD pickups. Toyota Safety Sense (pre-collision system, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, dynamic cruise control, pedestrian detection) also comes on all TRD pickups.

The Tundra TRD Pro comes in super white, midnight black metallic and voodoo blue with matte-black dual exhaust.

Need to procure quotes to compare? Get them here, for free. No obligations involved. Just click here.